Melissa Etheridge to Headline 2026 Bardavon Gala

Grammy and Oscar winner's 'Rise' tour comes to historic Hudson Valley venue

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:30pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of an electric guitar's textured surface, with dramatic shadows and highlights creating a high-contrast, high-fashion aesthetic that evokes the energy and emotion of Melissa Etheridge's music.Melissa Etheridge's electric guitar, captured in dramatic close-up, reflects the raw power and resilience of her iconic rock and roll sound.Poughkeepsie Today

Legendary singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge will headline the 2026 Bardavon Gala in Poughkeepsie, New York on April 12, 2026. The concert is part of Etheridge's newly announced 'Rise' tour and marks a return to the Hudson Valley for the Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist.

Why it matters

The Bardavon Gala is the organization's signature annual fundraising event, celebrating the arts and raising critical support for Bardavon's education programs and school residencies. Etheridge's powerful message of overcoming adversity and finding hope aligns with the Gala's theme of 'Rise' and the growth happening in Poughkeepsie and the broader Hudson Valley region.

The details

Melissa Etheridge's career spans more than three decades of chart-topping hits, raw confessional songwriting, and trailblazing advocacy. From 'Come to My Window' and 'I'm the Only One' to her Oscar-winning anthem 'I Need to Wake Up,' Etheridge has built a legacy of resilience, authenticity, and rock-and-roll soul. Her recent Broadway run, acclaimed docuseries 'I'm Not Broken,' and the launch of The Etheridge Foundation underscores her continued commitment to healing, storytelling, and social impact.

  • Melissa Etheridge's 'Rise' tour will come to the Bardavon 1869 Opera House in Poughkeepsie, NY on April 12, 2026.
  • The Bardavon Gala is the organization's signature annual fundraising event.

The players

Melissa Etheridge

A Grammy and Academy Award-winning rock icon with a career spanning more than three decades.

Bardavon 1869 Opera House

A historic venue in Poughkeepsie, New York that will host Melissa Etheridge's concert as part of the Bardavon Gala.

Bryan Zellmer

The Executive Director of the Bardavon, who noted that the Gala is the organization's most important fundraiser focused on celebrating the transformative power of the arts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're adopting the theme of Rise for this year's Gala as it can easily speak to the growth happening in Poughkeepsie, Kingston, and throughout the Hudson Valley. Despite the division in our world, we're seeing a community come together. That's a message of hope—and hope is something we all need right now.”

— Bryan Zellmer, Executive Director, Bardavon

What’s next

Tickets for the Melissa Etheridge concert at the 2026 Bardavon Gala go on sale this week. Sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting Bryan Zellmer at the Bardavon.

The takeaway

Melissa Etheridge's powerful message of resilience and hope, combined with her iconic music, will make the 2026 Bardavon Gala a must-attend event for the Hudson Valley community. The concert underscores the Bardavon's commitment to celebrating the transformative power of the arts and supporting important educational initiatives.